Steelers Extending 1 Certain Player Isn't Practical As Depth Could Make Things Difficult

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a great 2023 draft, resulting in several players being in line for extensions. Already, the front office has locked up edge rusher Nick Herbig and tight end Darnell Washington to new deals. The organization likes to select, develop, and keep their players, and that draft class had hit after hit. With those two above being a part of the future of the team's core, other players from the group need deals now too. 

One of the biggest contracts that is still being negotiated is for the second-round pick of the class, Joey Porter Jr. His play will demand a high price at a premium position. The corner hasn't allowed a touchdown since his rookie season and has cleaned up his penalties. With that being said, the cornerback market is only garnering more and more players making a ton of money. Porter could be next in line for that. 

However, Porter isn't the only one who still needs an extension. The front office still has to look into one of its players on the defensive line who could be in for a chunk of change. That player is defensive tackle Keeanu Benton. Benton has played nose tackle and has proven to be a capable pass rusher. With five-and-a-half sacks registered in 2025, he has proven to be a force on that front; however, the position has some other young talent behind him who are still on rookie deals. On the Steelers Standard podcast, Steelers writer Brian Batko alluded to the direction that Pittsburgh could be going with the defensive lineman. 

"I think he's been a solid player, but I would not put him higher in the priority list than Joey Porter Jr. Again, my original point is that if the price is right, then sure, you can bump him up the list if you feel like it's going to be a team-friendly deal and a steal for you," Batko said. 

Benton could bet on himself to have a breakout 2026 season. If he can maintain or improve on his sack numbers, while also making more of an impact in the run game, he could earn himself a nice contract, whether that be with Pittsburgh or not. 

Benton has primarily played the nose tackle position in Pittsburgh. He's somewhat undersized for the position, but he's held his own at times. He could improve in the run game, though, something that the team hopes he can do. If he were to move over into a position that fits his build a little better, then he could prove to be effective. The Steelers have a second-year defensive lineman, Yahya Black, who had a nice rookie year and could slide into the nose tackle role. This would leave Benton with better opportunities to do what he does best: rush the quarterback. 

Pittsburgh could wait until the 2027 offseason before committing to Benton. However, the risk associated with that is if he has a big year, he could command more money than they're willing to pay. This could be an issue if Pittsburgh wants to retain him.

What Could The Future Look Like At This Position For The Steelers?

With Black potentially being the primary nose tackle in 2026, Benton will have more opportunities as more of a defensive tackle or end. However, with Cam Heyward's retirement looming, the Steelers need to plan for a world without him. Black and second-year player Derrick Harmon are at the core of the youth on the defensive line, but Benton could be part of that equation, too. 

If he's not, it could be yet another case where the Steelers address their trenches in the NFL Draft. A lot is riding on Benton's performance in 2026, including the future of the defensive line. 

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